Program-selection device, program selection method, and program information providing system

TECHNICAL FIELD

p-0002The present invention relates to program-selecting apparatus and method well applied to, for example, a broadcast receiving set and to a program information providing system.

p-0003More particularly, the present invention relates to a program-selecting apparatus etc. for downloading via a communication line from a predetermined server keywords used to set program selection conditions, to thereby enable the program selection conditions to be set by using new keywords without providing input means such as a keyboard for inputting keywords into the apparatus, thus making the apparatus inexpensive.

BACKGROUND ART

p-0004For example, in an analog surface-wave broadcast system, it has been proposed that in order to notify viewers of programs provided by broadcast stations, data indicating contents of each of the programs called Electronic Program Guide information (hereinafter referred to as EPG data) should be delivered from a specific one of the broadcast stations periodically. The EPG data comprises information pieces such as a program title, a broadcast date, a broadcast channel, a program explanation and provides a material for the viewers when they determine which one of the programs they view.

p-0005In this case, an Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD) receives EPG data sent periodically from a broadcast station that transmits the EPG data and stores it in a memory, to read out the EPG data from the memory in response to display operations of a viewer so that it may be displayed on an external monitor. It is thus possible for the viewer to determine a program he or she would like to see with visually observing the EPG data displayed on the monitor.

p-0006As described above, however, in conventional IRD wherein the EPG data is received and stored in the memory, it has been proposed that if a user has set beforehand program selection conditions each comprising, for example, a genre, a keyword, a time zone, etc., he or she would search the EPG data for a program that matches the program selection condition to record, by subscription, program information of the matched program in a recording medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD).

p-0007When a keyword used to set the program selection condition is fixed, it is difficult to set a program selection condition well suited for selecting a user-desired program. A keyword the user would like to use when he or she selects a program varies with the season. Keywords that are expected to be used frequently are, for example, “spring”, “cherry blossoms”, “picnic”, etc., in the case of spring, and “summer”, “swimming”, “diet”, etc. in the case of summer.

p-0008To acquire keywords used to set the program selection conditions, it may be thought that input means such as a keyboard should be provided. However, in such a case, it is necessary to provide the keyboard as well as to have, for example, a dictionary function required for kanji character conversion, which leads to a problem of cost increase of the apparatus itself.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

p-0009It is an object of the present invention to enable program selection conditions to be set by using new keywords without providing input means such as a keyboard for inputting keywords to an apparatus, thus constituting the apparatus inexpensively.

p-0010A program-selecting apparatus related to the present invention comprises keyword storage means for storing plural keywords each for use in selection of a program, program selection condition setting means for setting a program selection condition including the keyword selected from the keyword storage means, program extraction means for automatically extracting a program that matches the program selection condition based on received electronic program information, and downloading means for downloading the keyword from a predetermined server via a communication line and writing it into the keyword storage means.

p-0011A program selecting method related to the present invention comprises a downloading step for downloading a keyword for selecting a program from a predetermined server via a communication line and writing it in keyword storage means, a program selection condition setting step for setting program selection condition including the keyword selected from the keyword storage means, and a program extracting step for automatically extracting a program that matches the program selection condition based on received electronic program information.

p-0012A program information providing system related to the present invention comprises the program selecting apparatus described above, and a server for storing a keyword for program selection and transmitting the keyword according to a request from the program-selecting apparatus.

p-0013According to the present invention, plural keywords each for use in selection of a program is stored in the keyword storage means. Then, a program selection condition including the keyword selected from this keyword storage means is set so that a program that matches the program selection condition thus set may be automatically extracted on the basis of received electronic program information. In this case, the keywords are downloaded from a predetermined server via a communication line. It is thus possible to set the program selection conditions by using new keywords without providing input means such as a keyboard used to input keywords into the apparatus.

p-0014Note here that the keyword storage means comprises a fixed region in which a predetermined number of preset keywords are stored and an alteration region in which a predetermined number of alterable keywords are stored, in such a configuration that a keyword to be downloaded is stored in the alteration region. It is thus possible to avoid disturbing a user in contrast to a case of altering all the keywords.

p-0015Further, the downloading means may be adapted to download a keyword stored beforehand in the server according to a season of the year. Thus, the user has a higher probability of having in the keyword storage means a keyword he would like to use, in setting of the program selection condition in each of the seasons, thereby improving usability for the user.

p-0016Further, the downloading means may be adapted to download a keyword from the server either based on user's operations or automatically at a predetermined time interval.

p-0017The downloading based on the user's operations allows the download to be carried out only when the user needs it and the keyword is altered in the server before it is downloaded owing to, for example, a change in season, thereby avoiding useless downloading operations to save on a communication fee and also preventing a keyword the user would like to use from being lost against his or her will.

p-0018On the other hand, the downloading automatically performed at the predetermined interval allows a keyword to be downloaded and stored in the keyword storage means immediately when the keyword is altered in the server before it is downloaded owing to, for example, a change in season, so that the user can use the keyword.

p-0019Further, the program selection condition setting means may be adapted to store plural program selection condition candidates each including genre information of each of the programs and a keyword to extract one of the program selection condition candidates corresponding to a genre selected by a user and set it as the program selection condition. It is thus possible for the user to set the program selection condition only by selecting a genre, thus reducing inconvenience of setting the program selection condition.

p-0020Further, a recording medium may also be provided to record data of an extracted program (at least one of voice data and image data). By reproducing the data of a program from this recording medium, contents of this extracted program can be monitored.

p-0021Further, program information of an extracted program may be extracted from the electronic program information, to create a list of titles of the extracted programs based on this program information. In this case, programs that match the program selection condition are extracted, so that the title list is updated each time these programs are recorded in the recording medium.

p-0022Such a configuration may be provided that this title list is displayed to read out of the recording medium the data of program that corresponds to program information selected by the user from this title list and reproduce it. It is thus possible for the user to specify a predetermined program on the displayed title list, thus obtaining an image or voice of this predetermined program.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

p-0023<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a block diagram for showing a configuration of an IRD according to an embodiment;

p-0024<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a diagram for showing a configuration of a keyword storage region;

p-0025<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a diagram for explaining EPG data;

p-0026<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is an illustration for showing a simple setting screen;

p-0027<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a diagram for showing program selection condition candidates for each genre;

p-0028<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a diagram for showing registered situation in a region for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference;

p-0029<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is an illustration for showing an example of displaying a list for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference;

p-0030<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is an illustration for showing a picture-recording setting screen for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference;

p-0031<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is an illustration for showing an example of displaying the list for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference;

p-0032<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is an illustration for showing an example of displaying the list for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference;

p-0033<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is an illustration for showing a picture-recording setting deletion screen for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference; and

p-0034<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is an illustration for showing a picture-recording setting screen for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS

p-0035The following will describe embodiments of the present invention with reference to drawings. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows a configuration of an Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD) <b>5</b> according to an embodiment. This IRD<b>5</b> constitutes a receiving apparatus in an analog surface-wave broadcast system.

p-0036This IRD<b>5</b> has a Central Processing Unit (CPU) <b>11</b> serving as a system controller for controlling operations of an apparatus as a whole. This CPU<b>11</b> is connected to a bus <b>14</b>. To the CPU<b>11</b> is connected a remote commander reception unit <b>10</b>. The reception unit <b>10</b> receives an instruction signal S<b>1</b> superimposed on an infrared light with the signal being transmitted from a remote commander and converts the instruction signal S<b>1</b> into an electric signal to generate an instruction signal S<b>2</b> and send the instruction signal S<b>2</b> to the CPU<b>11</b>.

p-0037Further, the IRD<b>5</b> has a Read Only Memory (ROM) <b>12</b> storing a control program and the like for controlling operations of the CPU<b>11</b> and a Random Access Memory (RAM) <b>13</b> functioning as a working area for the CPU<b>11</b> or the like. The ROM<b>12</b> and the RAM<b>13</b> are each connected to the bus <b>14</b>. The CPU<b>11</b> reads out the control program stored in the ROM<b>12</b> as occasion demands and transfers the read out control program to the RAM<b>13</b> wherein it is deployed. Then, the CPU<b>11</b> reads out the control program thus deployed in the RAM<b>13</b> and executes it, thereby controlling circuits of the IRD<b>5</b>.

p-0038Further, the IRD<b>5</b> has a tuner <b>15</b> for taking out a predetermined broadcast signal selectively from among plural broadcast signals acquired by a reception antenna and demodulates the predetermined broadcast signal to thereby obtain a voice signal and an image signal.

p-0039The CPU<b>11</b> analyzes the instruction signal S<b>2</b> received from the remote commander reception unit <b>10</b> and, if it decides that a user has selected a broadcast station at the remote commander, generates a channel selection signal S<b>3</b> in accordance with this selection operation and sends it to the tuner <b>15</b>.

p-0040The tuner <b>15</b> extracts a broadcast signal of a channel (broadcast station) that corresponds to the channel selection signal S<b>3</b> from among plural broadcast signals received through the reception antenna and demodulates the extracted broadcast to generate a voice signal S<b>5</b> and an image signal S<b>6</b>.

p-0041Further, the IRD<b>5</b> has a voice processing unit <b>16</b> for performing compression/coding processing on the voice signal to obtain voice-coded data and an image processing unit <b>17</b> for performing compression/coding processing on the image signal to obtain an image-coded data. The voice processing unit <b>16</b> and the image processing unit <b>17</b> are also connected to the bus <b>14</b>.

p-0042The voice processing unit <b>16</b> is supplied with the voice signal S<b>5</b> generated at the tuner <b>15</b>. The voice processing unit <b>16</b> converts the analog voice signal S<b>5</b> into a digital signal and then performs compression/coding processing on it according to a coding method based on the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) Standards, thus obtaining voice-coded data S<b>7</b>.

p-0043The image processing unit <b>17</b> is supplied with the image signal S<b>6</b> generated at the tuner <b>15</b>. The image processing unit <b>17</b> converts the analog image signal S<b>6</b> into a digital signal and performs compression/coding processing on it according to the coding method based on the MPEG Standards, thus obtaining image-coded data S<b>8</b>.

p-0044The IRD<b>5</b> further has a multiplexing/separating unit <b>18</b> and a recording medium unit <b>30</b> constituted of, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD). The multiplexing/separating unit <b>18</b> and the recording medium unit <b>30</b> are also connected to the bus <b>14</b>.

p-0045The multiplexing/separating unit <b>18</b> is supplied with the voice-coded data S<b>7</b> obtained at the voice processing unit <b>16</b> and the image-coded data S<b>8</b> obtained at the image processing unit <b>17</b>. For recording, the multiplexing/separating unit <b>18</b> multiplexes the voice-coded data S<b>7</b> and the image-coded data S<b>8</b> to generate multiplexed data S<b>20</b> and sends it to the recording medium unit <b>30</b>. The recording medium unit <b>30</b> records the multiplexed data S<b>20</b> in its built-in recording medium. For reproduction, on the other hand, the multiplexing/separation unit <b>18</b> is supplied with multiplexed data S<b>25</b> of a predetermined program reproduced at the recording medium unit <b>30</b>. The multiplexing/separating unit <b>18</b> separates the voice-coded data and the image-coded data from this multiplexed data S<b>25</b>.

p-0046It is to be noted that the recording medium built in the recording medium unit <b>30</b> is provided with a keyword storage region that constitutes keyword storage means for storing keywords. The keywords are used to set program selection conditions for, for example, automatic picture-recording. In the present embodiment, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the keyword storage region can store 24 keywords. In this case, 16 keywords are stored in a fixed region in which the keywords cannot be altered, while the remaining eight keywords are stored in an alteration region in which the keywords can be altered.

p-0047Into this keyword storage region, 24 keywords are written at the time of, for example, factory shipment. Afterward, the eight keywords recorded in the alteration region are altered by each keyword downloaded from a server in the Internet as described later. It is to be noted that at least some of the keywords stored in the alteration region are supposed to reflect, for example, a currently popular topic or a season, that is, to have a seasonality.

p-0048Further, the IRD<b>5</b> has a voice decoder <b>19</b> for performing voice-coded data S<b>26</b> output from the multiplexing/separating unit <b>18</b> to thereby obtain voice data S<b>9</b> and an image decoder <b>19</b> for performing decompression/decoding processing on image-coded data S<b>27</b> output from the multiplexing/separating unit <b>18</b> to thereby obtain image data S<b>11</b>.

p-0049The IRD<b>5</b> further has a D/A conversion circuit <b>21</b> and an RGB encoder <b>22</b>. The RGB encoder <b>22</b> is connected to the bus <b>14</b>. The D/A conversion circuit <b>21</b> converts a digital signal of the voice data S<b>9</b> output from the voice decoder <b>19</b> into an analog signal to thereby generate an analog voice signal S<b>10</b>. The RGB encoder <b>22</b> converts the image data S<b>11</b> output from an image decoder <b>20</b> into luminance signal and color-difference signal in accordance with, for example, the National Television System Committee (NTSC) Standard and then converts these signals from digital signals into analog signals to thereby generate an image signal S<b>12</b>. The voice signal S<b>10</b> and the image signal S<b>12</b> generated by the D/A conversion circuit <b>21</b> and the RGB encoder <b>22</b> respectively are both supplied to a monitor. The monitor displays an image due to the image signal S<b>12</b> on its screen and raises voice due to the voice signal S<b>10</b> from its speaker.

p-0050Note here that in an analog surface-wave broadcast system, in order to notify viewers of programs provided from various broadcast stations, explanatory data of the programs called Electronic Program Guide (EPG) data is adapted to be delivered from specific broadcast station(s) periodically.

p-0051The EPG data is created for each of the programs and, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, comprises information such as a program Identification (ID) specific to the program, a station number of a transmission-source broadcast station, a station name of the transmission-source broadcast station, a program start time, a program time length (or end time), a program title, a program subtitle that supplements the program title, a program explanation, a program genre, and the like, thus providing a material for the viewers to determine programs that they wish to view. By the way, the program ID, the broadcast station number, and the genre are indicated by code data, the broadcast station name, the program title, the program subtitle, and the program explanation are indicated by text data, and the start time and the time length are indicated by time data.

p-0052The specific broadcast station described above superimposes EPG data about, for example, one week of programs on a Vertical Blanking Interval (VBI) of an image signal and periodically transmits it everyday using a time zone such as late night or early morning.

p-0053The IRD<b>5</b> has a VBI slicer <b>25</b>. This VBI slicer <b>25</b> is connected to the bus <b>14</b>. The tuner <b>15</b> extracts a broadcast signal of a channel on which the EPG data is superimposed from plural broadcast signals captured by the reception antenna and demodulates this extracted broadcast signal to thereby generate an image signal S<b>15</b> and send it to the VBI slicer <b>25</b>.

p-0054The VBI slicer <b>25</b> extracts EPG data S<b>16</b> from the image signal S<b>15</b> and transfers it via the bus <b>14</b> to the RAM<b>13</b> to store it there. In such a manner, the IRD<b>5</b> updates the EPG data S<b>16</b> stored in the RAM<b>13</b> everyday, to always accumulate the latest EPG data S<b>16</b> in the RAM<b>13</b>.

p-0055Further, the IRD<b>5</b> has a graphic engine <b>26</b> for displaying an EPG screen or a variety of setting screens such as an automatic recording setting screen. The graphic engine <b>26</b> is connected to the bus <b>14</b>.

p-0056For example, when a viewer has operated to display the EPG screen using the remote commander, the remote commander transmits to the remote commander reception unit <b>10</b> the instruction signal S<b>11</b> that instructs to display the EPG screen. The remote commander reception unit <b>10</b> converts the instruction signal S<b>1</b> into the instruction signal S<b>2</b> comprised of an electric signal and sends it to the CPU<b>11</b>.

p-0057The CPU<b>11</b>, when detecting that it has been supplied with the instruction signal S<b>2</b>, performs graphic processing on the EPG data S<b>16</b> on the RAM<b>13</b> based on dictionary data such as characters and symbols stored in the ROM<b>12</b>, to thereby generate EPG image data S<b>17</b> and send it via the bus <b>14</b> to the graphic engine <b>26</b>.

p-0058The graphic engine <b>26</b> converts the EPG screen data S<b>17</b> into luminance signal and color-difference signal that conform to the NTSC Standard, converts these digital signals into analog signals to thereby generate an EPG screen signal S<b>18</b>, and send it to the RGB encoder <b>22</b>. The RGB encoder <b>22</b> mixes the image signal S<b>12</b> and the EPG image signal S<b>18</b> with each other and outputs it to the monitor, to display an EPG screen that corresponds to this EPG image signal S<b>18</b> on a display screen of the monitor.

p-0059Further, the IRD<b>5</b> has a flash memory <b>31</b> for accumulating recorded title list data and the like comprised of a list of programs recorded in the recording medium unit <b>30</b>. This flash memory <b>31</b> is connected to the bus <b>14</b>.

p-0060Furthermore, the IRD<b>5</b> has a MODEM<b>32</b> as downloading means for accessing a server <b>40</b> connected to the Internet via a telephone line in order to download from the server <b>40</b> a keyword stored in the alteration region of the keyword storage region of the recording medium unit <b>30</b> as described above.

p-0061The following will describe operations of the IRD<b>5</b> shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

p-0062First, ordinary reception operations are described.

p-0063When a user has selected a broadcast station at the remote commander, the remote commander transmits to the remote commander reception unit <b>10</b> the instruction signal S<b>1</b> that indicates this selection operation. The remote commander reception unit <b>10</b> converts this instruction signal S<b>1</b> into the instruction signal S<b>2</b> constituted of an electric signal and sends it to the CPU<b>11</b>. The CPU<b>11</b>, when detecting that it has been supplied with this instruction signal S<b>2</b>, generates the channel selection signal S<b>3</b> in accordance with this selection operation and sends it to the tuner <b>15</b>.

p-0064The tuner <b>15</b> extracts a broadcast signal of a channel (broadcast station) in accordance with the channel selection signal S<b>3</b> from among plural broadcast signals received through the reception antenna and demodulates the extracted broadcast station of the channel to thereby generate the voice signal S<b>5</b> and the image signal S<b>6</b> and sends the voice signal S<b>5</b> to the voice processing unit <b>16</b> and the image signal S<b>6</b> to the image processing unit <b>17</b>.

p-0065The voice processing unit <b>16</b> converts the analog voice signal S<b>5</b> into a digital signal and then performs on it compression/coding processing in accordance with a coding method based on the MPEG Standard and sends the resultant voice-coded data S<b>7</b> via the multiplexing/separating unit <b>18</b> to the voice decoder <b>19</b>.

p-0066The image processing unit <b>17</b> converts the analog image signal S<b>6</b> into a digital signal and then performs on it compression/coding processing in accordance with the coding method based on the MPEG Standard and sends the resultant image-coded data S<b>8</b> via the multiplexing/separating unit <b>18</b> to the image decoder <b>20</b>.

p-0067The voice decoder <b>19</b> performs decompression/decoding processing on the voice-coded data S<b>26</b> and sends the resultant voice data S<b>9</b> to the D/A conversion circuit <b>21</b>. The D/A conversion circuit <b>21</b> converts this voice data S<b>9</b> from digital signal into an analog signal to thereby generate the voice signal S<b>10</b> and output this voice signal S<b>10</b> to the monitor.

p-0068The image decoder <b>20</b> performs decompression/decoding processing on the image-coded data S<b>27</b> and sends the resultant image data S<b>11</b> to the RGB encoder <b>22</b>. The RGB encoder <b>22</b> converts the image data S<b>11</b> into luminance signal and color-difference signal in accordance with NTSC Standard, converts the digital signals into the analog signals to thereby generate the image signal S<b>12</b> and output this image signal S<b>12</b> to the monitor.

p-0069In such a manner, an image of the channel selected by the user is displayed on the display screen of the monitor and voice of the user-selected channel is raised from a speaker of the monitor. Subsequently, by operations similar to those described above, when the user has changed a channel based on the selecting operation at the remote commander, an image of the changed channel is displayed on the display screen of the monitor and voice of the changed channel is raised from the monitor speaker.

p-0070The following will describe recording and reproducing operations.

p-0071When the user has performed operations to record an image and voice of a program at the remote commander, the remote commander transmits the instruction signal S<b>1</b> for performing recording operations to the commander reception unit <b>10</b>. The remote commander reception unit <b>10</b> converts this instruction signal S<b>1</b> into the instruction signal S<b>2</b> constituted of an electric signal and sends it to the CPU<b>11</b>.

p-0072The CPU<b>11</b>, when detecting that it is supplied with this instruction signal S<b>2</b>, controls the various circuits through the bus <b>14</b> to thereby controlling the various units so that the image and the voice specified at the remote commander may be recorded. In this case, the multiplexing/separating unit <b>18</b> multiplexes the voice-coded data S<b>7</b> obtained through the tuner <b>15</b> and the voice processing unit <b>16</b> sequentially and the image-coded data S<b>8</b> obtained through the tuner <b>15</b> and the image processing unit <b>17</b> sequentially to thereby generate the multiplexed data S<b>20</b> and transfer it to the recording medium unit <b>30</b> in order to record it in a built-in recording medium (not shown).

p-0073In this case, if CPU<b>11</b> decides that recording of a program specified by the user is completed, the CPU<b>11</b> generates recorded title list data S<b>21</b> comprised of a list of programs recorded in the recording medium unit <b>30</b>, based on the EPG data S<b>16</b> stored in the RAM<b>13</b> beforehand, and stored it in the flash memory <b>31</b>. The CPU<b>11</b> is adapted to update the recorded title list data S<b>21</b> each time a new program is recorded in the recording medium unit <b>30</b>, thus always accumulating the latest recorded title list data S<b>21</b> in the flash memory <b>31</b>.

p-0074If, in this condition, the user performs operations at the remote commander to display a recorded title list screen, the remote commander transmits the instruction signal S<b>1</b> for displaying the recorded title list screen to the remote commander reception unit <b>10</b>. The remote commander reception unit <b>10</b> converts this instruction signal S<b>1</b> into the instruction signal S<b>2</b> constituted of an electric signal and sends it to the CPU<b>11</b>.

p-0075The CPU<b>11</b>, when detecting that it has been supplied with the instruction signal S<b>2</b>, transfers the recorded title list data S<b>21</b> to the RAM<b>13</b> to perform graphic processing on the recorded title list data S<b>21</b> on the RAM<b>13</b> based on the dictionary data such as characters and symbols stored in the ROM<b>12</b>, in order to generate recorded title list screen data S<b>22</b> and send it via the bus <b>14</b> to the graphic engine <b>26</b>.

p-0076The graphic engine <b>26</b> converts the recorded title list screen data S<b>22</b> into analog luminance signal and color-difference signal that conform to the NTSC Standard, converts the digital signals into the analog signals, thereby generate a recorded title list image signal S<b>23</b> and send it to the RGB encoder <b>22</b>. The RGB encoder <b>22</b> mixes the image signal S<b>12</b> and the recorded title list screen signal S<b>23</b> with each other and outputs it to the monitor, to display a recorded title list screen in accordance with this recorded title list screen signal S<b>23</b> on the display screen of the monitor.

p-0077If, then, the user performs operations to reproduce an image and voice of his or her desired program at the remote commander with him or her visually observing the recorded title list screen displayed on the display screen of the monitor, the remote commander transmits the instruction signal S<b>1</b> for reproduction to the remote commander reception unit <b>10</b>. The remote commander reception unit <b>10</b> converts this instruction signal S<b>1</b> into the instruction signal S<b>2</b> constituted of an electric signal and sends it to the CPU<b>11</b>.

p-0078The CPU<b>11</b>, when detecting that it has been supplied with this instruction signal S<b>2</b>, controls the various circuits via the bus <b>14</b> to thereby reproduce the image and the voice of the program specified at the remote commander. That is, the recording medium <b>30</b> reproduces multiplexed data S<b>25</b> of the specified program from multiplexed data of plural programs recorded in the built-in recording medium (not shown) and sends it to the multiplexing/separating unit <b>18</b>.

p-0079The multiplexing/separating unit <b>18</b> separates the multiplexed data S<b>25</b> into the voice-coded data S<b>26</b> and the image-coded data S<b>27</b> and then sends this voice-coded data S<b>26</b> through the voice decoder <b>19</b> and the D/A conversion circuit <b>21</b> sequentially to generate a voice signal S<b>10</b> and output it to the monitor and also sends the image-coded data S<b>27</b> through the image decoder <b>20</b> and the RGB encoder <b>22</b> sequentially to generate an image signal S<b>12</b> and send it to the monitor.

p-0080In such a manner, in a process of reproduction of the multiplexed data S<b>25</b> of a predetermined program obtained from the recording medium unit <b>30</b> in accordance with a user's instruction, an image of the predetermined program is displayed on the monitor's display screen and voice of the predetermined program is output from the monitor's speaker.

p-0081The following will describe operations for automatic picture-recording.

p-0082Automatic picture-recording can be set in a condition where a simple setting screen is displayed on the monitor. When the user has performed operations for simple setting at the remote commander, the CPU<b>11</b> generates the screen data S<b>22</b> of the simple setting screen and sends it via the bus <b>14</b> to the graphic engine <b>26</b>. The graphic engine <b>26</b> generates the simple setting screen signal S<b>23</b> and sends it to the RGB encoder <b>22</b>, thereby displaying the simple setting screen on the monitor.

p-0083<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows one example of the simple setting screen displayed on the monitor. By this simple setting, it is possible to select a genre such as “drama”, “sports”, “music”, “variety”, “movie”, and “not to set picture-recording”. If any one of “drama”, “sports”, “music”, “variety”, and “movie” is selected, setting is made to perform automatic picture-recording, whereas if “not to set picture-recording”, setting is made not to perform automatic picture-recording.

p-0084It is to be noted that for each of the genres that can be selected by simple setting such as “drama”, “sports”, “music”, “variety”, and “movie”, program selection condition candidates are prepared beforehand. Data of the program selection condition candidates for each of the genres is stored in a particular storage region of the recording medium unit <b>30</b> at the time of, for example, factory shipment. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows one example of the program selection condition candidates for each of the genres.

p-0085There are prepared program selection condition candidates having a priority (3) (priority order <b>3</b>) in a case where the genre is “drama”, the keyword is “new program”, and the time zone is “not specified”, program selection condition candidates having a priority (4) (priority order <b>4</b>) in a case where the genre is “drama”, the keyword is “re-broadcast”, and the time zone is “not specified”, and program selection condition candidates having a priority (5) (priority order <b>5</b>) in a case where the genre is “drama”, the keyword is “stereo”, and the time zone is “night”, in such a configuration that each of the program selection condition candidates is registered as a program selection condition in, for example, a region for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference in the flash memory <b>31</b>.

p-0086<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows registered situation in the region for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference in the flash memory <b>31</b> where “drama” is selected on the simple setting screen. The registered situation in the region for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference in the flash memory <b>31</b> can be displayed as a list representation on the monitor when the user has performed operations on a list for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference at the remote commander.

p-0087When the user has performed the operations on the list for the auto program recommendation depending on user's preference at the remote commander, the CPU<b>11</b> generates the screen data S<b>22</b> of the list for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference based on the registered situation in the region for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference in the flash memory <b>31</b> and sends it via the bus <b>14</b> to the graphic engine <b>26</b>. The graphic engine <b>26</b> generates the list screen signal S<b>23</b> for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference and sends it to the RGB encoder <b>22</b>, to display a list screen for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference on the monitor. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> shows one example of displaying the list for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference.

p-0088Further, in the present embodiment, the user allows a program selection condition to be newly set besides those that are set on the simple setting screen described above. This new setting can be performed in a condition where the picture-recording setting screen for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference is displayed on the monitor. When the user has performed operations for new setting at the remote commander, the CPU<b>11</b> generates the screen data S<b>22</b> of the picture-recording setting screen for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference and sends it via the bus <b>14</b> to the graphic engine <b>26</b>. The graphic engine <b>26</b> generates the picture-recording setting screen signal S<b>23</b> for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference and sends it to the RGB encoder <b>22</b>, to display the picture-recording setting screen for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference on the monitor.

p-0089<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> shows one example of the picture-recording setting screen for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference displayed on the monitor. By this procedure for newly setting, the items “genre”, “keyword”, and “time zone” can be selected and set individually. In this case, “keyword” can be set by specifying any keyword recorded in the keyword storage region of the recording medium unit <b>30</b> described above.

p-0090Each time one program selection condition is set by this newly setting procedure, it is registered in order in the storage unit starting from that of the priority order <b>1</b> in the region for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference in the flash memory <b>31</b>. For example, a program selection condition set first is registered to have the highest priority order <b>1</b> and that set second is registered to have the second highest priority order <b>2</b>.

p-0091<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> shows an example of displaying the list for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference in a case where first the genre is set to “variety”, the keyword is set to “special”, and the time zone is “late night” on the picture-recording setting screen for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. It is to be noted that in the figure the priority orders <b>3</b>-<b>5</b> have been registered when the user has selected “drama” on the simple setting screen described above.

p-0092By thus registering the program selection condition in the region for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference in the flash memory <b>31</b>, setting is made so that automatic picture-recording may be performed. Therefore, even if the user has selected “not to set picture-recording” on the simple setting screen to prevent the automatic picture-recording from being performed, the automatic picture-recording is set when the program selection condition is set and registered on the picture-recording setting screen for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference.

p-0093Further, in the present embodiment, by selecting an item of an arbitrary program selection condition in a condition where the list for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference is displayed, contents of the item can be deleted or altered for edition.

p-0094<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> shows a display example in a case where an item of a program selection condition having the priority order <b>1</b> is selected in the example of displaying the list for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference shown in, for example, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>. In this case, on this item, either “Delete setting” or “Alter setting” can be selected.

p-0095<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> shows a picture-recording setting deletion screen for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference displayed when an edit item whose setting is to be deleted is selected. In this case, when the user has performed operations for deletion at the remote commander, the CPU<b>11</b> generates the screen data S<b>22</b> of a picture-recording setting deletion screen for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference and sends it via the bus <b>14</b> to the graphic engine <b>26</b>. The graphic engine <b>26</b> generates the picture-recording setting deletion image signal S<b>23</b> for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference and sends it to the encoder <b>22</b>, to display the picture-recording setting deletion screen for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference on the monitor. If “OK” is selected on this picture-recording setting deletion screen for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference, an item of the relevant program selection condition is deleted from the region for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference in the flash memory <b>31</b>. On the other hand, if “RETURN” is selected, nothing is deleted, so that the process returns to a condition where the list for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference is displayed.

p-0096<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> shows the picture-recording setting screen for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference displayed when an edit item whose setting is to be altered is selected. In this case, when the user has performed operations for alteration at the remote commander, the CPU<b>11</b> generates the screen data S<b>22</b> of the picture-recording setting screen for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference and sends it via the bus <b>14</b> to the graphic engine <b>26</b>. The graphic engine <b>26</b> generates the picture-recording setting image signal S<b>23</b> for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference and sends it to the RGB encoder <b>22</b>, to display the picture-recording setting screen for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference on the monitor. On this picture-recording setting screen for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference, it is possible to arbitrarily alter the items of “genre”, “keyword”, and “time zone” and register them.

p-0097The following will describe operations to be performed in a case where, as described above, program selection conditions are registered in the region for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference in the flash memory <b>31</b> so that automatic picture-recording may be performed.

p-0098In this case, the CPU<b>11</b> retrieves periodically, for example, every day, a program that corresponds to a program selection condition registered in the region for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference in the flash memory <b>31</b>, based on the EPG data S<b>16</b> stored in the RAM<b>13</b> beforehand. If, in this case, programs that correspond to any plural program selection conditions conflict in terms of broadcast time, a program having a higher priority order is selected. The CPU<b>11</b> stores in the RAM<b>13</b> information about the automatic picture-recording programs thus retrieved, that is, information such as a program title, a broadcast station number, a start time, a time length (or end time) as picture-recording reservation information.

p-0099Then, based on the picture-recording reservation information of the automatic picture-recording programs stored in the RAM<b>13</b>, the CPU<b>11</b> selects a broadcast station using the tuner <b>15</b> on a relevant day, controls the operations of the recording medium unit <b>30</b> and the like, and records the multiplexed data S<b>20</b> related to this automatic picture-recording programs in the built-in recording medium (not shown) of the recording medium unit <b>30</b>. If, in this case, the CPU<b>11</b> decides that recording of the relevant program is ended, it updates the recorded title list data S<b>21</b> and accumulates the recorded title list data S<b>21</b> in the flash memory <b>31</b>.

p-0100The following will describe operations to download a keyword using the MODEM<b>32</b>. The keyword is downloaded based on, for example, operations of the user using the remote commander.

p-0101When operations are performed to download a keyword at the remote commander, the remote commander transmits to the remote commander reception unit <b>10</b> the instruction signal S<b>1</b> indicating the keyword downloading operation. The remote commander reception unit <b>10</b> converts this instruction signal S<b>1</b> into the instruction signal S<b>2</b> constituted of an electric signal and sends it to the CPU<b>11</b>. The CPU<b>11</b>, when detecting that it has been supplied with this instruction signal S<b>2</b>, supplies the MODEM<b>32</b> with a control signal for downloading the keyword.

p-0102The MODEM<b>32</b> accesses the server <b>40</b> connected to the Internet via a telephone line, to download the keyword. The keyword downloaded via the MODEM<b>32</b> is written into the alteration region of the keyword storage region of a recording medium built in the recording medium unit <b>30</b> as described above. The keyword thus written is used to set program selection conditions for, for example, setting an automatic picture-recording as described above.

p-0103Although not described above, it is to be noted that keywords stored anywhere in the keyword storage region including those stored in this alteration region are also used as a keyword when retrieving a program that corresponds to the keyword based on the EPG data stored in the RAM<b>13</b>. Further, the keyword downloading may be performed automatically at a predetermined interval of, for example, a day rather than based on the user's operations at the remote commander as described above. Every downloading is supposed to be performed the same way as it is performed on the basis of the above-mentioned user's operations.

p-0104Further, the keyword to be stored in the server <b>40</b> and downloaded is supposed to reflect a currently popular topic or a season as described above such as “spring”, “cherry blossoms”, or “picnic” in spring and “summer”, “swimming”, or “diet” in summer, that is to have a seasonality. Further, keywords representing a highly popular current topic such as “the Olympics” or “the Nobel Prize” can also be saved in the server <b>40</b> and downloaded according thereto.

p-0105For this purpose, the keywords in the server <b>40</b> are updated at an update frequency of once every two to three months, for example. In this case, the user may input characters through a personal computer or a cellular phone so that a keyword to be downloaded by his IRD<b>5</b> can be registered in the server <b>40</b>. This enables the user to download from the server <b>40</b> a keyword he or she wants to use. In a case where a keyword is registered in the server <b>40</b> in such a manner, the user is to input a user ID and a password that are required to identify him or her. Although not described above, it is to be noted that inputting a user ID or a password is necessary even for downloading a keyword through the MODEM<b>32</b>.

p-0106As described above, in the present embodiment, a keyword used to set the program selection condition in, for example, the automatic picture-recording is downloaded from the server <b>40</b> connected to the Internet through the MODEM<b>32</b> and written into the keyword storage region of the recording medium built in the recording medium unit <b>30</b> and held there. Therefore, the program selection condition can be set using a new keyword without providing input means such as a keyboard for inputting keywords to the apparatus, thus making the apparatus inexpensive.

p-0107Further, in the present embodiment, the keyword storage region is configured to have a fixed region where, for example, 16 keywords are stored and an alteration region in which, for example, alterable eight keywords are stored so that any of the keywords to be downloaded may be stored in the alteration region. Therefore, the user is not disturbed as compared with a case where all the keywords stored in the keyword storage region are altered to the downloaded keywords.

p-0108Further, in the present embodiment, at least some of the keywords downloaded are supposed to be those in accordance with seasonality. Therefore, the user has a higher probability of his or her having in the keyword storage region a keyword he or she would like to use for program selection condition setting in a certain season, thus improving his or her ease-to-use.

p-0109Further, in the present embodiment, downloading of a keyword through the MODEM<b>32</b> is performed on the basis of user's operations, for example, at the remote commander or automatically at a predetermined interval. In a case where it is performed on the basis of the user's operations, the downloading may be performed only when the keyword in the server <b>40</b> to be downloaded is altered due to, for example, a change in season and the user needs it, thus saving on a communication fee by avoiding useless downloading and also preventing a desired keyword from being lost against his will.

p-0110In a case where it is done automatically at a predetermined interval, on the other hand, a keyword in the server <b>40</b> to be downloaded, if altered due to, for example, a change in season, can be downloaded and stored in the keyword storage region immediately, to be used by the user.

p-0111Further, in the present embodiment, beforehand there are prepared plural program selection condition candidates (each of which comprises a genre, a keyword, and a time zone) each having a priority for genres that can be set in simple setting of “drama”, “sports”, “music”, “variety”, and “movie”. Therefore, it is necessary for the user only to select a genre in order to set plural program information selection conditions having priorities, thus reducing inconvenience of setting the program selection condition.

p-0112Further, in the present embodiment, besides the plural program selection conditions registered in the region for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference in the flash memory <b>31</b> in simple setting, a new program selection condition can be added and further, it is possible to change contents of an item of any of the program selection conditions selected in a condition where the list for auto program recommendation depending on user's preference is displayed. Therefore, the user can set program selection conditions for selecting his desired program more appropriately.

p-0113Further, in the present embodiment, the recording medium unit <b>30</b> is provided for recording multiplexed data as data of a program that matches a program selection condition, so that by reproducing the multiplexed data from this recording medium unit <b>30</b>, it is possible to monitor contents of the program that matches the program selection condition.

p-0114Further, in the present embodiment, each time the program data (multiplexed data) that matches the program selection condition is recorded in the recording medium unit <b>30</b>, the recorded title list data S<b>21</b> is updated. A screen based on this recorded title list data S<b>21</b> can be displayed on the monitor, so that the user can specify a predetermined program on a displayed title list to read out data of the predetermined program from the recording medium unit <b>30</b> and reproduce it.

p-0115Although the embodiment described above has applied the present invention to the IRD<b>5</b>, of course the present invention can be similarly applied to any other program selecting apparatus.

p-0116Further, although the embodiment described above has recorded multiplexed data, that is, voice data and image data in the recording medium unit, the present invention is not limited to it. There may be a case where program data comprises only voice data or image data, in which case only the voice data or the image data is recorded as the program data in the recording medium unit. Further, even in a case where the program data comprises voice data and image data, only the voice data or the image data might be recorded according to user's selection.

p-0117Further, according to the present invention, a keyword used to set the program selection condition is downloaded from a predetermined server via a communication line, so that the program selection condition can be set using a new keyword without providing input means such as a keyboard for inputting keywords to the apparatus, thus making the apparatus inexpensive.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

p-0118As described above, program selecting apparatus and method and a program information providing system related to the present invention are well applied to, for example, a broadcast receiving set.